Before You Choose a Preschool: 4 Learning Approaches Every Parent Should Understand

Before You Choose a Preschool, Pause for a Moment

Choosing a preschool often begins with practical questions. Is the school near our home? Are the teachers warm? Does the classroom look safe and welcoming? While these are all important, there is one question many parents do not realize they should be asking first:

How will my child actually learn here?

Behind every preschool program is a learning approach that shapes how children think, explore, communicate, and grow. Two schools may look similar on the outside, yet feel completely different once your child steps into the classroom. One may focus on independence and structure, another on exploration and collaboration, while others blend play, inquiry, and guided learning in thoughtful ways.

As You Read On

As you explore the different learning approaches below, you may find yourself thinking less about labels and more about your child. What excites them? How do they make sense of new experiences? Do they learn best by watching, doing, questioning, or creating?

At EduDash Qû Learning Hub, we see learning as a journey rather than a race. Children are not expected to move at the same speed or think in the same way. Instead, they are supported to learn at their own phase, guided by educators who observe closely and respond intentionally.

This belief shapes how we design our curriculum and how Flexi Think is embedded into everyday teaching and learning.

1. Reggio Emilia Inspired Learning

Seeing children as thinkers, not receivers

Reggio Emilia inspired learning begins with a simple but powerful view: children are capable of forming ideas, making connections, and expressing understanding in many ways. Rather than delivering information, educators listen, observe, and plan experiences that build from children’s interests.

Learning does not follow a fixed script. It evolves as children explore, revisit ideas, and deepen understanding over time.

Learning spaces are thoughtfully arranged to invite exploration. Open-ended materials, natural elements, and shared work areas encourage children to collaborate, experiment, and express themselves through different forms.

What this looks like in practice

A child wonders where rain comes from. Instead of giving an immediate explanation, educators invite children to explore the idea through conversations, drawings, water play, stories, and simple investigations. Over several days, children revisit the question, refine their thinking, and represent their understanding in new ways.

The focus is not on quick answers, but on meaningful thinking.

Children who often thrive in this approach

• Children who are observant and expressive

• Those who enjoy exploring ideas over time

• Children who benefit from choice and autonomy

• Learners who communicate through movement, art, talk, or play

How EduDash Qû brings this approach to life

At EduDash Qû, Reggio Emilia inspired practice is woven into daily facilitation through Flexi Think. Educators support children to:

• Receive information through observation, experiences, and discussion

• Respond by questioning, experimenting, and expressing ideas

• Recreate understanding through building, drawing, storytelling, or role play

This cycle allows children to revisit learning in ways that suit their developmental phase. Educators adjust their guidance based on what children are ready for, ensuring learning remains both flexible and purposeful.

2. Montessori

Developing independence through structure

Montessori education emphasises self-directed learning within a carefully prepared environment. Children choose tasks independently and work on them for extended periods, developing concentration and practical life skills.

What it often looks like

Activities such as pouring, sorting, sequencing, and organizing materials are designed to strengthen fine motor skills, focus, and independence.

Children who may enjoy this approach

• Those who prefer working quietly and independently

• Children who enjoy routine and repetition

• Learners who thrive with clear structure

A consideration for families

Some children may find Montessori environments limiting if they seek imaginative play, frequent collaboration, or expressive learning. Observing how your child responds to the environment can be helpful.

3. Play-Based Learning

Learning through meaningful play

Play-based learning recognises that children learn best when they are actively engaged and emotionally invested. In well-designed environments, play is intentionally supported by educators to strengthen language, thinking, social interaction, and problem-solving.

This is not unstructured play. Educators observe play closely and introduce materials, questions, or challenges that extend learning naturally.

What it looks like

Children may engage in role play, construction, sensory exploration, art, and group games. Learning unfolds through interaction, negotiation, and shared discovery.

Children who often benefit

• Energetic and expressive learners

• Children who learn through movement and hands-on experiences

• Those who enjoy social interaction and collaboration

Why families value this approach

Through play, children develop confidence, communication skills, and resilience. Learning feels joyful and relevant rather than forced.

At EduDash Qû, play is guided with intention. Educators support children to reflect on their experiences using Flexi Think, helping them make sense of what they are doing and why it matters.

4. Inquiry-Led Learning

Learning driven by questions

Inquiry-led learning begins with curiosity. When children show interest in a topic, educators help them explore it through observation, investigation, and reflection.

What this might look like

If children are fascinated by insects, educators may guide them to observe bugs, create simple habitats, draw what they see, count legs, compare sizes, and learn new vocabulary. Literacy and numeracy emerge naturally within meaningful contexts.

Children who often enjoy inquiry-led learning

• Children who ask questions frequently

• Those who enjoy experimenting and problem-solving

• Learners who like discovering how things work

What parents often notice

Children become more confident thinkers. They learn to ask questions, explain ideas, and reflect on outcomes rather than memorising information.

So, Which Approach Is Right?

There is no single approach that suits every child. What matters most is whether the environment supports your child’s way of learning, thinking, and growing. Children benefit when they feel safe, understood, and supported to progress at their own phase.

When considering a preschool or learning hub, reflect on:

• How your child approaches new experiences

• Whether they need more structure or flexibility

• How educators respond to children’s ideas and emotions

• Whether learning feels meaningful rather than rushed

Why Families Choose EduDash Qû Learning Hub

Families often share that EduDash Qû feels different because learning is intentional without being rigid.

Our approach blends:

• Reggio Emilia inspired thinking

• Play-based and inquiry-led learning

• Clear developmental guidance

• The Flexi Think Learning Model

Educators are trained to observe carefully, respond thoughtfully, and adapt facilitation based on each child’s readiness. Children are encouraged to think, express, revisit ideas, and grow in confidence at their own pace.

At EduDash Qû, learning is not about rushing milestones. It is about building strong foundations for thinking, communication, and adaptability, while keeping childhood joyful and meaningful.